The Green Brigade have released an extensive public statement explaining their ongoing absence from Celtic Park, confirming they were not in attendance for the recent Europa League clash with Utrecht.
The supporters’ group say that match represented the nineteenth straight fixture they have missed due to a ban that has been in effect since early November. They describe the restriction as still unresolved, with no defined end date.
According to the statement, the Green Brigade and other fan organisations have repeatedly asked the club for clarification on when the suspension could be lifted, but claim no clear timeline has been given and communication has remained limited, even as the situation has continued through both domestic and European games.
The group trace the origins of the ban to an alleged incident during the Scottish Cup match against Falkirk in late October.
They state that, following accusations from the club, five individuals were charged and handed court orders preventing them from entering Celtic Park. The Green Brigade present this as the beginning of what they see as broader measures affecting hundreds of supporters who were not charged with any offence.
They also place the dispute in the context of the current football calendar. With Celtic facing a demanding run of fixtures and European knockout football ahead, the group argue that the absence of a coordinated support section has an impact on the stadium atmosphere.
They say there have been attempts by people connected to the club, as well as supporters, to find a resolution, but claim those efforts have not brought about change.
In the statement, the Green Brigade say the ban has been active since 7 November 2025 and that supporters have consistently sought clarity over its status. They argue there is still no indication of when it might end. The group strongly reject the accusations linked to the Falkirk match, questioning both their accuracy and the motives behind them.
They further claim that, beyond the five individuals facing legal action, the club has extended restrictions to a further 245 supporters, describing this as collective punishment. Additional claims of threats and intimidation referenced by the club are also denied by the group.
The statement says recent efforts to restore unity and re-establish organised support in the stands have been blocked by Celtic CEO Michael Nicholson and Head of Safety, Security and Operations Mark Hargreaves. The Green Brigade direct sharp criticism at Nicholson, saying he has lost credibility among supporters.
They also raise concerns about the relationship between Nicholson and Hargreaves, alleging it predates their roles at the club and suggesting this creates a conflict of interest. The group argue that such connections reflect what they describe as an “old-boys” culture within the club’s leadership structure.
Hargreaves is accused of failing to engage meaningfully with supporters and of fostering what they call an overly harsh security environment at Celtic Park, which they say has led to several high-profile incidents involving fan treatment. The statement also criticises his reported absence from supporter-facing duties during a recent European away trip.
The Green Brigade say they believe Hargreaves is the main obstacle to their return and suggest ultimate responsibility lies with Nicholson, who they accuse of prioritising personal loyalty over the interests of the club and its fans. They argue that wider change is needed at senior level, calling for a cultural shift that places greater respect on supporters.
Despite the ongoing dispute, the group state they are certain they will return to Celtic Park at some point in the future.
From the Green Brigade’s perspective, the statement assigns responsibility to senior club figures, accuses Celtic of collective punishment, and suggests internal relationships have influenced decisions regarding supporter management.
Celtic have not issued a new public response to these latest claims. The club has previously said that safety and security decisions are made carefully and in line with legal and operational duties. As things stand, there has been no sign of any immediate alteration to the ban.
With Celtic juggling domestic pressures and European knockout ties — where home atmosphere has often been significant — the absence of a large, organised supporters’ section remains noticeable, particularly during key moments in matches.
The Green Brigade have reiterated their stance and intention to return in the future, while Celtic continue under the current arrangements.
Whether talks resume or positions shift may play an important role in shaping the atmosphere at Celtic Park in the coming weeks.
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